MHI Thermal Systems to Launch "MSV2" Lineup of Air-cooled Chillers adopt the R32 refrigerant

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems) is to commence marketing of the "MSV2" series of air-cooled heat pump chillers offering outstanding efficiency and robust capacity to curb global warming. The new models realize the industry's highest levels of coefficient of performance (COP) ratings, a measure of energy consumption efficiency, through the adoption of a newly developed "e-3D" scroll compressor in combination with other proprietary technologies. The new units also adopt the R32 refrigerant featuring a low global warming potential (GWP). Adoption of the MSV2 chillers for air cooling/heating in office buildings or for water chilling/heating in factories enables significant energy savings. Plans call for market launch of four models in summer 2020, in a range from 40 to a new 70 horsepower (HP).

The 60HP and 70HP models have respective COP ratings of 3.46 and 3.33 (rated cooling capacity), the highest levels in the industry. As a result, the 60HP model no longer requires registration under Japan's High Pressure Gas Safety Act. Adoption of the R32 refrigerant (675 GWP), already widely used in residential air conditioners, in place of the earlier R410A (2090 GWP) has reduced GWP to approximately one-third, combined with a 28% reduction in refrigerant charge volume. Together these improvements result in a 77% lower CO conversion factor, thereby contributing to reduction of environmental load. The addition to the lineup of a 70HP model enables space savings even in applications requiring installation of multiple units.

The compressor adopted in the new MSV2 models features a more advanced "e-3D" scroll, which compresses both vertically and horizontally and thereby enhances efficiency during low loads. Changing the shape of the scroll has reduced leakage loss significantly and further raised the efficiency level. Meanwhile, superlative energy-saving performance has been achieved through adoption of a large fan, long bell mouth, and small-diameter hairpin in the air heat exchanger. In addition, startup speed has been increased threefold compared to earlier models, resulting in reduced fluctuations in water temperature and enabling recovery from power outages. Also, cooling/heating is possible even in extremely hot environments, accommodating outside air intake temperatures up to 52℃.

Going forward, MHI Thermal Systems will continue to pursue the development of technologies and products that contribute to further energy savings and enhanced environmental performance. With its comprehensive technological capabilities derived from synergies enabled by the company's broad operations in fields related to heating and cooling, MHI Thermal Systems will strive for the optimal thermal solutions to meet customers' diverse needs.